A COMMUNITY champion has been installed leader of Durham City’s Freemen, members of surviving trade guilds dating from the latter Middle Ages.

John Booth was unanimously elected chairmen of the wardens and now leads the freemen’s eight remaining trade guilds, whose lineage is thought to stretch back to the early 14th century.

The city’s Guild Hall is just yards from the premises on Elvet Bridge where Mr Booth began his working life, on a five-year apprenticeship with a painting and decorating company, which was subsequently to qualify him for entry into the ranks of the freemen.

Having “completed his time”, he launched his own business, employing both tradesmen and apprentices, before taking up a post in building maintenance at Durham School.

From there, he moved on to Newcastle College, where he was instrumental in developing the Construction Curriculum Centre, which earned both regional and national recognition.

He was the college’s information and learning technology manager upon retirement, at the turn of the millennium.

Hartlepool-born Mr Booth spent his formative years in Ushaw Moor and on his return to the village after an absence of 36 years launched a community action group which was instrumental in tackling anti-social behaviour.

It also raised funds for the creation of a village garden.

His leadership earned him a Neighbourhood Watch Outstanding Achievement Award and Durham County Council Chairman’s Medal for service to both his community and county, in 2013.

He now serves as a board member on Durham Agency Against Crime, a cross community body assisting Durham Police.

Mr Booth is Warden of the Barbers’ Company, a member of the freemen’s charitable trust and a key figure in the creation and continuing development of the freemen’s website.

The 74-year-old widower has two daughters, Rachel, the youngest, who lives in Alnwick, is a matron at the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, while big sister Joanne, who is due to be sworn-in as a freeman in the near future, is executive director for strategy at Saatchi and Saatchi, in Dusseldorf, Germany.

Mr Booth also has two granddaughters.

On his installation as freemen’s leader, he said: “I am delighted to have been appointed chairman of the wardens which will enable the continuing development and sustainability of the freemen.

“Involvement with the charitable trust will allow my passionate interest in the community to continue.”

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